Dungeons & Dragons Online

Dungeons & Dragons Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine for Microsoft Windows and OS X. The game was originally marketed as Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach. Upon switching to a hybrid free-to-play model it was renamed Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited. The game was rebranded Dungeons & Dragons Online, with the introduction of Forgotten Realms-related content. Turbine developed Dungeons & Dragons Online as an online adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), originally based loosely on the D&D 3.0 rule set. The game is set on the unexplored continent of Xen'drik within the Eberron campaign setting, and in the Kingdom of Cormyr within the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.

Gameplay

Quests are narrated by a Dungeon Master, and some of the early voiceover work was done by Dungeons & Dragon co-creators Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.[1]

Development

Post-release modules

By June 2009, Dungeons & Dragons Online was converted to a subscriptionless "free to play" game for players in North America, under the new name Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited. The level cap was increased to level 20 and free users had access to the majority of game content; some features have to be purchased with Dungeons & Dragons Online points or unlocked through play. There is a VIP access with additional features available, as well as free DDO points. Closed beta registration opened on June 9. The game and contents were free to download on September 1 for VIP members and September 9 for the general North American public.[11]

By December 2016, Turbine was no longer developing the game, and a new studio was formed under the name Standing Stone Games, the staff of whom would be ex-Turbine. The publishing of the game was transferred from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to Daybreak Game Company. While a reason was not given for the transition, it was assured that the game would continue with new development.[12]

Expansions

1) Turbine released its first Menace of the Underdark expansion[13] in June 2012.[14] The expansion increased the maximum character level and added the druid class.[15]
2) The Shadowfell Conspiracy[16] was released in August 2013. It increased the maximum character level to 28, added 4 new races (iconic heroes) and new adventure pack located in Cormyr.
3) With the Mists of Ravenloft, released in December 2017,[17] players venture to the lands of Barovia and ultimately fight Strahd von Zarovich. Additional features include the Aasimar race in two flavors, Vistani knife fighter, or Sentient weapons.
4) The Masterminds of Sharn, released in May 2019,[18] sends players to Sharn, the City of Towers. It introduced two variants of the Tiefling race and a new fighting style: dual wielding crossbows.[19]
5) In the Fables of the Feywild,[20] released in November 2020, players travel into the mystical plane of the Feywild. Apart from new adventures among the fey, the update also introduces two variants of the Shifter race, unicorn mounts, and a universal enhancement tree: the Feydark Illusionist.[21]
6) In the mini-expansion released in August 2021 players uncover The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh. The update also includes the Horizon Walker enhancement tree, granting new options to bow users.[22]
7) The Isle of Dread, released in June 2022, increases the level cap to 32 and introduces two variants of the feline Tabaxi race.[23]
8) In Vecna Unleashed, released in August 2023, players help Morgrave University neutralize the threat posed by Vecna. The mini-expansion brings balance adjustments to several classes and introduces the Machrotechnic epic destiny.[24]
9) The 2024 expansion takes players to the ruins of Myth Drannor to interfere with the plans of the Red Wizards.[25]
10) In The Chill of Ravenloft, released in August 2025, players return to Ravenloft to investigate the Dark Lords in the Domain of Dread Lamordia.[26][27][28] The expansion also introduces the Dhampir playable race.[26][29]

title	Dungeons & Dragons Online
developer	Turbine (2006–2016) Standing Stone Games (2016–present)
publisher	Daybreak Game Company
designer	Jason Booth Dan Ogles Cardell Kerr Ken Troop
released	Windows February 28, 2006 OS X June 25, 2012
genre	Massively multiplayer online role-playing
modes	Multiplayer
platforms	Microsoft Windows OS X

Dungeons & Dragons Online

Gameplay

Development

Release

Post-release modules

Expansions

Reception

Awards

Lawsuits

External links

References